Þingvallavatn

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What people say

Nally Preseault
"Þingvallavatn (Thingvallavatn or the Lake of the Fields of Parliament in English) is the largest natural lake in Iceland. Since Þingvellir National Park sits on its northern shore, part of the lake lies within its boundaries. It's also atop the Mid-Atlantic Rift (the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates). The lake is known for having four species of Arctic char. Brown trout and three-spined sticklebacks live here, too. You can go fishing. You can also scuba dive in Silfra, a fissure filled with clear spring water. Be sure to stop at the viewing platforms along the lake to take in the gorgeous views."
"Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland, with a surface area of 84 square kilometers (32 square miles) and a depth of 114 meters (374 feet). It's situated within the Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic geology and historical significance. The lake's location is a result of the ongoing separation of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, forming a rift valley. This unique geological setting makes Þingvallavatn a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, offering crystal-clear waters and fascinating rock formations. "

Mentioned in these guides

Active volcanoes. Dancing northern lights. Gushing geysers. Massive glaciers. Thermal hot springs. Thundering waterfalls. Iceland is the ultimate adventure destination. How have you not been here yet? It’s finally time. Start in the northernmost capital in the world. Reykjavik is a hip, modern city. Then start exploring the wild coastline, the sheep-filled countryside, the icy interior, and the peaceful islands. There are plenty of black-sand beaches, small fishing villages, turf-roofed houses, and epic hikes along the way. Just remember to pack layers. Sometimes, the Gulf Stream provides moderate temperatures. Other times, it’ll feel like you’re in the Arctic. Also don’t forget the long, dark winters and the 24-hour daylight during the short summers. If you take advantage of Icelandair’s free stopover program—a great excuse to visit Helsinki, Copenhagen, and even Paris—you can keep returning to discover which season you like best. This detailed guide includes: Places: regions, cities, islands, peninsulas, towns, neighborhoods Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, food carts & trucks, food halls, ice cream, Michelin stars, pizzerias, restaurants, soup Drink: beer bars, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars Shop: beauty products, bookstores, Christmas stores, chocolate shops, clothing boutiques, flea markets, knitwear, outdoor wear, record stores, vintage clothing, wool products Do: art museums, bays, beaches, bridges, caves, churches, concert venues, cultural centers, fjords, geothermal areas, geysers, harbors, hikes, history museums, horseback riding, hot springs, lagoons, lakes, lighthouses, memorials, mountains, national forests, national parks, natural wonders, nature reserves, parks, peace stones, ponds, roads, rock formations, rocks, rootless cones, scenic drives, sculptures, shipwrecks, sports venues, squares, streets, swimming pools, thermal baths, tunnels, valleys, viewpoints, volcanoes, walks, waterfalls Transportation: airports, bus terminals, car rentals, ferries, parking lots, transfers Note: I travel to Iceland frequently, so this guide is updated often.
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About Þingvallavatn

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